The legislation allows high school students to receive academic credit for pursuing career certifications and/or credentials required by either an industry or the state. Currently, high school students can only receive academic credit towards a career technical education certificate or diploma.

It would also establish business advisory councils to identify economic and workforce development trends and that may improve training and contribute to learning needs of the local community.

“The Future Ready Students Act will improve work-based learning opportunities so more young students can find jobs across North Carolina,” said House Speaker Tim Moore. “The legislation encourages local industry and business stakeholders to help students seek employment, develop career readiness pathways and facilitate a successful transition out of academics and into the workforce.”

The Future Ready Students Act also expands career and technical education to younger students, and establishes the Career and Technical Education Grade Expansion Program to support local education services that increase career development efforts in public schools.

Finally, it requires local boards of education to offer on-the-job training through an internship, cooperative education, or an apprenticeship program, and encourages local boards to adopt a 5th grade career awareness program.